Afghanistan secured automatic qualification for the 2027 ODI World Cup after defeating Ireland, leaving two-time champions West Indies facing the qualifying route for a third consecutive edition.
The result followed Friday’s 92-run victory in Bready, while the opening match of the five-game series was washed out. Afghanistan’s latest win ensured they would finish among the top eight teams in the ODI rankings by the September 30 qualification cut-off.
The direct qualifiers, excluding co-hosts South Africa and Zimbabwe, include Australia, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, England, Bangladesh and Afghanistan.
Ireland were bowled out for 206 after being reduced to 128-8. Rashid Khan and A.M. Ghazanfar claimed three wickets each, while Gavin Hoey and Jai Moondra briefly revived the innings with a 76-run ninth-wicket partnership.
Afghanistan’s chase was anchored by Rahmanullah, who struck five sixes and two fours, while Rashid contributed an unbeaten 37 to guide the visitors to victory despite a late wobble.
West Indies, currently ranked 10th, cannot climb into the automatic qualification places despite having two ODIs against India before the cut-off.
Afghanistan and Ireland will meet again in Belfast on Wednesday. Under the 2027 World Cup format, the qualifier winners will advance directly to the second stage, while the second-, third- and fourth-placed teams will enter the opening round, known as the Super Series.
